Swim Spa FAQs

FROG^® uses silver and limestone to support water care. Silver helps control bacteria, while limestone helps absorb acidic byproducts from chemicals like chlorine, promoting a more balanced and neutral pH. Minerals work with SmartChlor^® to dramatically reduce the use of chlorine, creating luxuriously soft and clear Fresh Mineral Water^®∞. 

Total Chlorine is the total amount of chlorine in the water. When chlorine binds up with contaminants, it forms a compound called “chloramines” that is still part of the total but no longer effective as a sanitizer. The chlorine that’s still active and available to fight bacteria is known as Free Chlorine. 

With traditional chlorine, when the gap between Total Chlorine and Free Chlorine grows too large, that signals a chloramine buildup and it’s time to shock the water. 

FROG^® @ease^® with SmartChlor^® works differently. SmartChlor forms a chlorine reserve, or “bank,” that shows up in a Total Chlorine test but stays inactive until needed. As Free Chlorine gets used up disinfecting the water, the system automatically shifts chlorine from that reserve into active, Free Chlorine form — replenishing on demand instead of dosing all at once. Because of this, seeing Total Chlorine read noticeably higher than Free Chlorine is completely normal with @ease and SmartChlor, and does not mean you need to shock. 

Simply keep Free Chlorine in the ideal 0.5-1.0 ppm range. If Total Chlorine starts dropping, that’s a better sign the cartridge is running low and needs to be replaced.  

We recommend monthly shocking or when replacing the SmartChlor Cartridge. vent sudden swings in pH. If alkalinity is too low, pH can fluctuate quickly, making water balance more difficult to maintain. 

The answer depends on several factors, including water temperature. Water temperature is different in different bodies of water:

• Pool water is typically kept between 78°F – 82°F
• Hot tub users mainly prefer water between 100°F – 102°F
• Swim water temperature is typically kept between 80°F – 104°F

Traditional chlorine options each have drawbacks. Dichlor works well in warm water but must be added frequently and can cause stabilizer (CYA) levels to build up over time, leading to more frequent drain-and-refills. Trichlor is commonly used in pools but is generally not recommended for swim spas because it can be too harsh for spa surfaces and equipment.

Bromine is a popular choice because it remains effective in warmer water, is gentle on skin and provides continuous sanitation. It also tends to have less odor than traditional chlorine.

SmartChlor^® is a unique, patented type of chlorine found in FROG^® @ease^® products that dissolves slowly in water at temperatures swim spas are designed for: 80°F – 104°F. It creates a chlorine reserve in the water that activates on demand and keeps a consistent low level of 0.5 – 1.0 ppm in the water at all times, so water is constantly kept clean. It’s registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use in conjunction with FROG Sanitizing Minerals as a primary sanitizer for swim spas (and hot tubs).

Choose a sanitizer that best fits the water temperature and gallon size of your swim spa and how you want to use your swim spa; FROG @ease Sanitizing System for Swim Spas is designed for all swim spas up to 3,000 gallons.

In addition, check with your manufacturer to make sure the sanitizer you choose won’t void your warranty.revent sudden swings in pH. If alkalinity is too low, pH can fluctuate quickly, making water balance more difficult to maintain.  

pH and alkalinity are related, but they measure different aspects of water balance. 

• pH measures how acidic or basic the water is by indicating the concentration of hydrogen ions. A low pH means the water is more acidic, while a high pH means it is more basic (alkaline). 
• Total alkalinity measures the water’s ability to resist changes in pH. Often referred to as the water’s buffering capacity, alkalinity helps keep pH levels stable. 

When total alkalinity is within the proper range, it helps prevent sudden swings in pH. If alkalinity is too low, pH can fluctuate quickly, making water balance more difficult to maintain.  

Total Hardness – also known as Calcium Hardness or Water Hardness – refers to the amount of calcium and other minerals that make the water hard. Swim spas require a Total Hardness level between 150 – 250 ppm. Less than 150 and the water will be corrosive, more than 250 and the water will be scale forming.

Not all minerals are the same. FROG Sanitizing Minerals actively kill bacteria and work with a low level of chlorine or bromine to keep swim spa water clean. Combined with SmartChlor^® Technology, they reduce chlorine use by up to 75%* while maintaining effective sanitation. FROG’s patented mineral technology is EPA-registered and proven to deliver clean, comfortable water with less chlorine and less work. 

Yes. FROG @ease Sanitizing System for Swim Spas use patented minerals that kill bacteria with up to 75% less chlorine* to create Fresh Mineral Water^®∞. Unlike standard test strips, FROG @ease Test Strips read the low level of chlorine accurately, so you know when to replace your SmartChlor^® Cartridge.

No, they will not expire if kept dry. However, once FROG Sanitizing Minerals are wetted, they are activated. They will last for 4 months in your swim spa, then they must be replaced. You must always add a fresh FROG Mineral Cartridge after you drain and fill your swim spa – even if the one you’re currently using is less than 4 months old.

For swim spas, follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Use a water clarifier in your swim spa when the water appears hazy or dull, even though your sanitizer levels and water chemistry are properly balanced.

Water clarifiers work by using polymers that bind tiny suspended particles together, creating larger particles that your filter can more easily capture and remove. Think of a clarifier as a water-polishing product. It helps improve water clarity, but it is not a sanitizer and will not correct underlying water balance issues.

A strong chlorine odor usually means you have a build-up of chloramines, which occurs when free chlorine reacts with organic waste from swimmers. Thus, the odor is caused by having too little free chlorine, rather than too much. Ridding the swim spa of chloramines requires a shock treatment (either chlorine or non-chlorine).